# Build your bug-out bag - for YOUR apocalypse! **URL:** \ **Category:** The Game Room\ **Created:** [September 19, 2012, 5:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/build-your-bug-out-bag-for-your-apocalypse/635194 "2012-09-19T17:23:45Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 4\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![oft\_wears\_hats](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/o/7993a0/32.png) [@oft\_wears\_hats](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/oft_wears_hats)\ **Post date:** [September 19, 2012, 5:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/build-your-bug-out-bag-for-your-apocalypse/635194/1 "2012-09-19T17:23:45Z")
[Bug-out bag](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bug_out_bag) Well, it’s finally here: the Apocalypse. I hope you’re prepared. Let’s assume you need to travel to a safe place 3 days away. Said place is absolutely safe, regardless of the apocalypse. Said place is absolutely 3 days away, regardless of the mode of transit you choose. Assume your bug-out bag is [this one](http://www.amazon.com/Official-US-Military-Surplus-Duffle/dp/B001TXXLZI/ref=pd_sbs_a_6). Volume is 2.63 cu ft. Not a hard limit, just intended to give a rough idea of the amount of room you have. List the contents of your bug-out bag for the apocalypse of your choosing. If you feel like it, also specify your safe place and mode of transit. Repeat apocalypses are welcome. I’ll start: **Global EMP**. Anything relying on transistors is fried. Simple flashlights still work. Rechargers don’t. **Destination:** My uncle and aunt’s house, approx 100 miles away. Aunt does her own canning and has a vegetable garden. Accessible by bicycle, and close to family. **Mode of transit:** Bicycle. Not dependent on electronics, easy to negotiate traffic jams. **Bug-out Bag:** $500 cash Two standard bicycle water bottles (20 oz each) 2 gallon jugs of water 4 lbs beef jerky 1 lb dried fruit (mixed) 2 cans of beans Basic first aid kit (24x12x3") 1 layered change of clothes Utility knife Hex-wrench multi-tool (for bike) 1 pair sunglasses 1 pair safety goggles (eye-protection for biking by night) 1 LED flashlight and 6 AA rechargeable batteries 2 bicycle helmets (1 plus spare) Field pump (for bike) Four spare tire tubes (for bike) Map of VA Map of DC Map of MD ---
**Author:** ![Bullitt](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bullitt/32/5725_2.png) [@Bullitt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bullitt)\ **Post date:** [September 20, 2012, 4:51am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/build-your-bug-out-bag-for-your-apocalypse/635194/2 "2012-09-20T04:51:29Z")
**Bug-Out Bag** : 1. .45 ACP H&K Compact Tactical 2. Lots of ammo ---
**Author:** ![msmith537](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/d9b06d/32.png) [@msmith537](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/msmith537)\ **Post date:** [September 20, 2012, 6:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/build-your-bug-out-bag-for-your-apocalypse/635194/3 "2012-09-20T18:30:25Z")
I imagine it would be similar to the current contents of my ALICE pack in DayZ: M4A1 carbine with 4x reflex dot scope (plus ammo) Glock G17 with military flashlight attachment (ammo) Night Vision glasses Rangefinder binocs Hatchet Hunting knife Box of waterproof strike anywhere matches Map Compass Watch (probably keep my TAG Chronograph automatic) Road flares Chem lights Canteens Assorted cans of food Smoke grenades Toolkit Or I can use the actual Go-Bag my employer issues me: High school chemistry lab goggles Water bottle Mylar space blanket Surgical mask Rubber gloves Rape whistle (in fact I feel the entire bag could double as a rape kit). ---
**Author:** ![silenus](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/silenus/32/166_2.png) [@silenus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/silenus)\ **Post date:** [September 20, 2012, 6:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/build-your-bug-out-bag-for-your-apocalypse/635194/4 "2012-09-20T18:43:21Z")
Our bug-out bags are about that size. One in the truck, one in the car. Each one has a complete change of clothing for both of us, rain gear, a couple of MREs, space shoes, female supplies and a basic first aid kit. There is a separate pouch in each that has cash, a fire-starter or three, a knife, a multi-tool and couple of mylar blankets. The car has set of basic tools in the trunk. The truck, OTOH, has a rather complete set of tools, emergency shelter, a trauma kit, 5 gallons of water, weaponry and a week’s worth of food in addition to the bug-out bag. In case of earthquake or major civil unrest, we evac up the mountain behind the house. Set up next to one of the lakes and wait out The End.